You will probably think I’m a big geek, but the “Look Inside” feature is now operational on my Amazon page. I love this feature. When I’m checking out a new book it lets me take a peek at the first few pages or it randomly picks a section for me to read. I take this opportunity to thank those of you who have read the book already and did reviews on Amazon. Thank you for your kind words, but more on that later.I was wondering what if we came with a “Look Inside” feature? When someone meets us for the first time they can take a peek at the type of person we are. This could help when you are dating. Imagine how much time it can save you from dating those guys who pretend to be studs but really are big duds.
It’s easy to see the bad, but it takes effort to see people the way God sees them. If they had a “Look Inside” feature, than maybe we can see the good that’s there…or the pain…or the betrayal they suffered…or how lonely they may be. I’ve written before about the outreaches we’ve done at the fair and the boat race back in Washington. Giving people an encouraging word at a booth is easy because they approach you – doing it at a restaurant to the waitress is not (at least not the first time). When I’m truly listening to God, He will sometimes tell me to “Look Inside” more deeply at the person in line at the grocery store or the guy at Starbucks. Then He urges me to go and give them that word of encouragement.
Sometimes, people just need a “word hug.” What I mean is a word that gives them hope. I know my weaknesses, but I’m not always sure about my strengths. A word of support goes a long way.
It’s like the reviews on my book. They have encouraged me and spurred me to start another book. I’m enjoying this new project. Hopefully this one won’t take as long to write.
“Look Inside” and what do you see?
© Nadine Zawacki 2009
23 comments:
I love it! I am really rather shy, but I absolutely adore people and love learning all about them.
I used to sit back on the Light Rail on my way to work and try to look inside people...it ended up I would make up stories about them. But, on occasion, I could really see the hurt and it's a simple thing just to smile and ask them how they are (it's a blessing to them)...if they open up and become real...it's a blessing to us both.
ps...now that you have the hang of it, I'm sure your new book will just flow.
Wow ... A Look Inside. That would be amazing, it would save so much hurt, yet from our experiences our spirit grows. Although I hate some of my life, I would not be the person I am today without all those aspects, even the ugly.
You are not a geek. You totally deserve to be excited!
When I look inside you I see one of the most loving people I have ever met. Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying yes again and again and again... Tom
What a great thought - and kind of intimidating!
If only indeed Nadine but I suppose we must strive along this journey to find out the truth ourselves and in this process we gained wisdom :) Just my take.... :)
Wonderful post...and Nadine, I am SO excited for you about this book!
I am actually going to go "look inside" it at Amazon, because I love using that feature and can't wait to see a bit of your first book!
So true how you painted the analogy!
Hugs,
~Tammy
PS...
I just read your husband's reply...wow, how sweet is that!
I think the "look inside" feature is actually already enabled on us humans. It only takes the user to engage it. I admit it does take a bit of work sometimes, but it is there.
And so true about the words of support. A little does go a long way!
Such good thoughts ~ I like your phrase, "word hugs". Reminds me of Proverbs 25:11:
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
1 Samuel 16:7 also comes to mind:
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
So excited about your new book!
Word hug...good way to put it! That's why you're a writer!!
What a great post, Nadine! I think if we look closely enough, we DO see what's inside of others.
It's following that little voice (the God one, not the devil on the shoulder!) that's the hard part. Sometimes we know something's not quite right, but we hang on and ignore the voice of reason...and suffer the consequences.
Seeing people through God's eyes is a great way to view the world.
I can't wait to peek inside your book. OMG! I want it in my hands already!! :)
I will never see the "Look Inside" feature the same way again!
I know what you are saying. It would be so much easier to just have it 'out' there where everyone could see, like a sticker on your forehead! "Hey, I'm lonely" or "I'm a really nice guy, really"!But then, where would the Lord be in the picture if we didn't go to him in prayer to help us look deeper and develop His compassion in us for others?
A Look Inside feature for people -- who would have thought?! :) Maybe that could be your next book.
I just love that thought! I always try to really look at the person waiting on me, or the check out clerk, or the person on the elevator--sometimes it takes more than just a "hi". I even asked a grumpy pharmacy clerk if she was having a bad day. Next thing I knew, she was unloading on me. And then she was so nice and helpful.
Sometimes we all wish *someone* would just say, "How are you---really?"
And by the way, I just LOVE that we can peek at your book. I can't wait to read it!!
Praying for you and Tom...
another ps...are you going to let us nibble from your new book too???
cool! i cannot wait to get mine!
OMG Nadine ty for this post! I so agree with u...sometimes ppl only need a comforting WORD...and that'll do. And trust me, some ppl dun even wanna say a kind WORD!
*HUGZ* luv ya!
Keshi.
I love that feature at Amazon. I was going to buy your book last week, but I had some unexpected car expenses so I am going to treat myself to it this upcoming Wed. Thanks so much for the info. I can't wait to read it and give you a review. I am going to see if my sister wants to read it too, but she is very behind since she has been having chemo for breast cancer and is very tired.
Thanks for a very encouraging post. Your words are always such a blessing to me. I can't wait to read your book! Hopefully this month!!
Beautifully written! And thought provoking.
Oh I just saw this post, while I was looking for your post on publishing your book. I really liked it. I am doing a "Give Away" on my blog next week, and yes the give away is one of your books. So I might be sending some folks over.
Now I gotta to go find that other post.
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